2019 – OFSI

What Should I Do if I Lose or Break a Tooth?

Venture Creative on December 19, 2019

If you damage your tooth and it is more than just a chip, you could be looking at some major problems if you don’t address it immediately. First things first, address the pain and protect any other teeth to avoid further issues.

If a break occurs:

Rinse your mouth out with warm water.
Apply pressure to stop any bleeding.
Use a cold compress to prevent any swelling.
If you can find the tooth, bring it with you to the dentist or surgeon’s office.

If you lose a tooth:

Do NOT pull the root of the tooth out if it is still attached.
Rinse the tooth off with saline or milk. Do NOT scrub the tooth.
Reinsert tooth back into the socket if possible, then bite down onto a gauze to stabilize the tooth.
If you cannot reinsert the tooth, protect it by placing it into milk or saline.
Go to your dentist or an oral surgeon IMMEDIATELY.

Replacement teeth should last for years at a time, so it is very important to know your options and choose a treatment plan that is right for you such as the following:

Implants.
Fixed Bridges.
Removable partial dentures.
Dentures.

Whatever option you may be leaning towards, the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute can help you decide what is best for you. Call us today to set up a consultation at (435) 238-7083.

Tips to Prevent Dental Implant Failure

Venture Creative on December 13, 2019

Dental implants have become one of the most successful options for fixing damaged or missing teeth. Dental implants are, as it implies, implanted into the jawbone. This is one of the reasons they have such a high success rate.

There are, however, steps that you can take to help make sure your dental implants do not fail. These steps include maintaining good oral hygiene, paying attention to the foods you eat, avoiding or quitting smoking, and noticing signs of implant failure early on.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

In most cases, you won’t even receive a dental implant unless you are a good candidate with a healthy mouth. However, once you receive the dental implant it is extremely important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine.

Make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day followed by the use of mouthwash. It is also important to visit the dentist at least twice a year to get your teeth cleaned and examined.

Pay Attention to the Food You Eat

Certain foods can have a negative impact on dental implants. Tough bread, jerky, hard candies, and foods with high sugar content are some of the foods that are important to avoid eating.

Avoid or Quit Smoking

Smokers have a much higher risk of having dental implant failure. Smoking can cause gum disease, which leads to the implants failing. Not only is it important to avoid or quit smoking after you receive dental implants, but taking this step before you receive the implants can dramatically improve the success of the implant.

Notice Signs of Implant Failure

Like most things related to your health, diagnosing the problem early can help you to avoid more serious problems later on. Pay attention to signs like infection, movement of the implant, gum inflammation around the implant, or any type of discomfort dealing with your implant.

If you feel any of these things might apply to your implants schedule an appointment to get the implant examined as soon as possible.

Dental implants are an amazing solution for lost or damaged teeth. Make sure to take care of your implants to the best of your ability so that you can avoid dental implant failure.

How Implants Reduce Long Term Dental Costs

Venture Creative on December 6, 2019

Before the price of dental implants completely deters you away from them, you may be interested to see how the other replacement options can add up.

Bridge Replacements

Over the course of the years of having a bridge placed, you may need to have it fixed or replaced several times. Not only will you find yourself replacing your bridge, but you also have to damage the teeth on the sides. In order to have a bridge placed the dentist must grind down the two healthy teeth next to the missing one in order to make the appliance fit. Grinding down a natural tooth may also cause issues down the road that can lead to costly treatments.

Dentures

Dentures are known to be high maintenance. With no natural teeth, over time your jaw bone will start to disintegrate. This will make your denture loose and you will find yourself trying to keep them in your mouth every time you open your mouth too wide. Dentures are also made from a thick chunk of acrylic which tends to be a mouth full for patients.

No Replacement

Not replacing missing teeth can put a damper on your appearance and it can affect your bite and make it difficult to eat. You are also more likely to acquire gum disease, TMJ, and decay. Dental bills will start to rack up and you will only experience more and more problems as time goes on.

If you are missing a tooth, we strongly advise that you contact the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute at (435) 383-5392. Let Dr. Davis help you bring back that beautiful smile you once had so you can feel confident about your appearance again!

How to Enjoy the Holidays After Oral Surgery

Venture Creative on November 29, 2019

For anyone that is planning on having surgery before the holidays, some of the most wonderful food is soft enough to still eat. So, if you thought you would be missing out on food, think again. Here are a few of the best things to eat during the holidays after oral surgery.

Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are probably one of the first foods you thought about when it comes to a big holiday dinner. Good thing that these wonderful mountains of mouthwatering potatoes are on the safe list to eat this holiday season.

Aside from being soft enough, potatoes are also rich in calories and nutrients which is essential for proper healing.

Green Beans

Not only are green beans a nice low-calorie side, they are soft enough to eat!

Tender green beans are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, Vitamin K, and folate. They are a great post-surgery food AND they are good for you too!

Yams

Yams are yet another delicious dish that makes for a great post oral surgery eat! Yams alone have a lot of nutrients and antioxidants that help fight inflammation. They have many benefits and are quite healthy, if you avoid eating them with marshmallows that is.

Pie

Alright, we have saved the best for last. PIE! As long as there are no nuts or seeds in it, pie is a good soft food to consume post-surgery. Pie is typically soft enough and uses little to no chewing. Soft and sweet, let your recent surgery be the excuse for eating too much pie.

Avoid

There are unfortunately foods that will need to be avoided or eaten with caution. You will want to be cautious with meat as it tends to be too tough to chew. With stuffing, some are made with hard bits and chunks which can get stuck into sites and cause irritation. Take caution with rolls. They may be soft, but they can get trapped in open wounds. Avoid things like pecan pie, or at least remove the pecans before eating. Avoiding nuts and seeds are key to healing.

To set up a consultation, please call our office at (435) 238-7083.

What Happens If I Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?

Venture Creative on November 15, 2019

When you lose a tooth, replacement options can be very time consuming and expensive. Healing time and financial concerns are both valid things to worry about. Let us inform you on why replacing your missing teeth is a good investment cosmetically and health-wise.

Bone Loss

When you remove a tooth and don’t replace it, it can actually cause bone loss. This happens when there is no root or replacement for bone to form around, so over time it disappears. This is why patients who receive dentures have a “sunken” look to their face because their actual bone is deteriorating.

Teeth Shifting

It may sound weird, but your mouth doesn’t like empty spaces! For example, if a lower tooth is missing, the two teeth to the side and above that empty space will try to close the gap.

Wear & Tear

Missing a tooth can cause wear and tear on other surrounding teeth. If a tooth is gone the other teeth have to make up for that one from a chewing standpoint, sometimes causing uneven wear of the teeth.

Cosmetic

If you have a missing tooth in the front of your smile, it’s not always inviting or aesthetically pleasing. Living with missing teeth can cause the patient to be embarrassed or have low self-esteem. If you have to live without a tooth, know there are replacement options to help you feel like yourself again and get you back to that confident state.

Implants

Replacing a tooth with an implant can sometimes be a financial concern, they aren’t the cheapest option on the market. That is because implants are the alternative that is closest to a natural tooth. Studies have shown they are the strongest option and longest-lasting, therefore providing you with the best bang for your buck.

Let the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute help you out! Whether you just lost a tooth, or if you have been missing a tooth for a long time, we will be there from start to finish to help you get your smile back! Contact our office for a consultation today!

Foods You Can Eat After Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Venture Creative on November 8, 2019

Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a fairly easy surgery with just a few days of rest. Since your wisdom teeth are at the very back of your mouth it easy for them to become crowded and impacted. When this happens you’ll need to get them removed.

Once the surgery is completed, soft foods are recommended after surgery for the next three to four days. Even though there is a diet restriction, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of your favorite foods. Here are just a few ideas of what you can still enjoy!

BREAKFAST:

Smoothies- Smoothies are great breakfast option that allows you to get in some fruits and vegetables into your diet. They are a quick and easy to make and can be changed up to give yourself some options.
Oatmeal- Oatmeal is soft enough so you do not need to chew much to eat it. It is a great source of fiber that aids in digestion. It also can be prepared savory or sweet, depending on your mood.
Yogurt- Yogurt is another great protein packed breakfast food. It is also full of good bacteria that helps in keeping your digestion regular, especially when you are taking pain medication.
Banana- Bananas are a good source of potassium that aids in the healing process. They are also a good treat for when you are craving something sweet!

LUNCH/DINNER

Soup- Soups can be blended and heated as a good hearty meal that is filling and still flavorful.
Protein Shakes- Protein shakes are a quick and easy way to get some protein in your stomach.
Eggs- Eggs are a great source of protein that allow your body to heal after surgery. Eggs are the perfect savory food that requires minimal chewing and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

With these delicious options, you won’t be missing out. If it is time for your wisdom teeth to be removed, call our office today for a consultation (435) 220-2324.

5 Ways Dental Implants Can Change Your Life

Venture Creative on November 1, 2019

It can be pretty upsetting when you lose a tooth, even more so if you spend thousands of dollars on replacing the tooth only to have the replacement break or fail. Dental implants are the best option if you want something that is going to last a lifetime if properly taken care of. Here are five ways that dental implants can change your life.

Natural

Dental implants look, and believe it or not, feel like a natural tooth. It can be very discouraging and embarrassing when you are missing teeth. Having dental implants can help bring back your confidence and leave you with a beautiful, complete smile.

Eating

If you have any teeth that are loose or missing it can make eating very difficult and painful. Dental implants actually help improve the quality of chewing – enhancing eating capability just like a natural tooth would.

Long-Lasting

Some replacement options such as bridges and partials don’t last very long until they break and you find yourself replacing the replacement.

Implants are integrated into the jaw bone and are made to last a lifetime if properly taken care of. They are known to be strong and durable and have a very high success rate.

Easy to Clean

Dental implants stand solo and do not affect the surrounding teeth. That means you can still floss on both sides of the implant and you can brush your teeth like you normally would, therefore being able to maintain the best oral hygiene possible.

Convenience

With a traditional denture, you have to remove them every night, and put them back in every morning. With dental implants, they become a part of you and most people claim to forget what tooth is actually the “fake” one.

Come visit Dr. Shawn Davis at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute to find out if dental implants are right for you!

How To Prevent Oral Cancer

Venture Creative on October 19, 2019

Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth or throat, it is also more commonly seen in men than women. Sometimes cancer can be unavoidable, with most that is the case. Some have cancer in their genetics and some are just plain unlucky. When it comes to oral health, there are a few things you can do to prevent it. Below are nine tips to protect yourself to the best of your ability.

Eat Cancer-Fighting Foods- Eat as many “cancer-fighting” foods as possible such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, turmeric, yogurt, kale, and mushrooms.
Alcohol- Only consume alcohol in moderation, try to limit yourself to one drink per day.
Use SPF lip balm- If you spend time outside, protecting your lips should be a priority! There are lots of options for chapstick with SPF in them, even fragrance-free for men.
Cut all Tobacco- Smoking or chewing tobacco increases your chance of oral cancer by more than a third.
Oral Hygiene- Make sure you are brushing and flossing your teeth daily.
Safe Sex- It is important to be extremely safe and cautious if you are sexually active.
HPV Vaccinated- HPV is associated with cancers at the back of the mouth. HPV can be contracted from one single encounter.
Check Yourself- If you feel anything out of the ordinary, make sure to contact an oral surgeon as soon as possible. You can also take a small mirror and look inside your own mouth to check if there are any unusual colors.
Dentist- Every 6 months make sure that you go visit your dentist. They normally do an oral cancer screening with your exam.

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute at (435) 628-1100.

Sedation & Wisdom Teeth Surgery: What You Need To Know

Venture Creative on October 12, 2019

The thought of sedation or surgery can be intimidating for some people. Here at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute, we can assure you that there is nothing to worry about, as you will never be left with any unanswered questions regarding sedation or your wisdom teeth removal. Here are some sedation tips to ease your fears.

PRE-SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

There is nothing worse than going into surgery not knowing what you need to do to prepare for it. When you schedule at our office, you will be given sedation instructions twice. Once when scheduling your appointment, and the second time at your confirmation call. Here is how to prepare:

Nothing to eat or drink for eight hours prior to surgery.
Must have a responsible driver to drive you home after surgery.
Remove any nail polish on the first two fingers on each hand.
Take any daily medications with a tiny sip of water in the morning.
If on a blood thinner please notify us prior to your appointment (it may affect scheduling).
If you were sent with a blue referral card, bring that with you.
Payment is due at the time of service.
We do offer our paperwork online, feel free to fill it out beforehand or come in five minutes early to fill it out in office.

POST SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS

Don’t panic if you have never taken care of someone or yourself after sedation. We will make sure that you or your driver fully understand our at-home care instructions. And don’t forget, we are just one call away if you have any other care questions.

When you leave our office, you will be biting down on gauze. You will also be sent home with extra in a baggie. Change the gauze as needed every 20-30 minutes until it is a light pink color. That indicates there is mostly saliva and that the bleeding is slowing down.
You will be sent home with an irrigating syringe to be started on the third day after surgery. Make sure you stick the entire tip into the site to flush out all of the food. If not, it can lead to swelling and infections. Continue this until the holes are entirely healed.
Rinse with Peridex mouth rinse in the morning and evenings.
Take the antibiotic prescribed to prevent infections.
Eat soft foods for a few days such as yogurt, cottage cheese, smoothies, or soups (anything that is soft enough to mush with a fork).
Avoid straw use for three days.
Use ice packs on and off for 20 minutes at a time to help with swelling.

Healing

You will want to get as much rest as possible post-procedure. Most people are feeling back to normal in 3-7 days as long as the above rules are followed.

If you have an active lifestyle, you will want to rest for at least three days. After which you can resume normal activity as long as you are feeling up to it.

How To Take Care Of Your Dental Implants

Venture Creative on October 4, 2019

We all know that losing a tooth can be a little frightening. Luckily with today’s technology, a dental implant is the closest thing to a natural tooth. Just like with any surgery there can be complications or in this case “failed” implants. Taking proper care of your implants post-surgery is essential for proper healing.

Soft Foods

Following surgery, you will want to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth that the implant is on. If you happen to have multiple implants in different areas of the mouth, you will want to stick to a soft diet for a minimum of two weeks.

Foods such as yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, and most pastas are good options for post-operative care.

Micromovement is critical to avoid during the healing process. It can be caused by a variety of things such as chewing directly on the implant and aggressive brushing.

Good Oral Hygiene

Contamination and bacteria can cause your implant to fail. Keeping it clean is very important. Right after implant placement, your surgeon will prescribe you with an oral rinse that has antibacterial properties. You will want to clean it twice a day by dipping a q-tip into the oral rinse and cleaning around the implant and gums.

Once you get the okay from your doctor, you can start lightly brushing the implant with your toothbrush. You will want to wait a couple of weeks to do so due to tenderness.

Take an Antibiotic

While infection risk is low if the implants are properly taken care of, taking an antibiotic after surgery will help further prevent any type of infection.

Please recognize that antibiotics can interfere with other types of medications. Ask Dr. Davis if you have any questions on conflicting medications.

Limit Physical Activity

You will want to limit your physical activity for the first few days to avoid any type of bleeding or throbbing.

Dental implants are a phenomenal choice for tooth restoration. Consider implants the same thing as your natural tooth, they require the same amount of brushing and flossing as well as regular check-ups.

Call us at the Oral and Facial Surgery Institute to schedule your consultation to see if you would be a good candidate for dental implants! (435) 220-3101